“The sun is shining, the temperatures are rising and spring is right around the corner, so now is the perfect time to begin planning what to wear once the weather is finally snow-free. This spring season, no trend is hotter than militarism. From New York to Paris, designers unanimously presented collections heavy on khakis, pockets and other battle regalia.”
“
The sun is shining, the temperatures are rising and spring is right around the corner, so now is the perfect time to begin planning what to wear once the weather is finally snow-free.
This spring season, no trend is hotter than militarism. From New York to Paris, designers unanimously presented collections heavy on khakis, pockets and other battle regalia. At Balmain, the trendiest of trendiest labels (and also one of the most expensive), Christophe Decarnin sent shredded olive tees, glittery skin-tight camouflage pants, gold-bedecked colonel coats and bullet-shell belts down the runway, adding a modern spin on traditional military favorites.
Further adding to the militant craze, the super-influential magazine Vogue Paris, which covers the most important trends months before they trickle down to the mainstream, even dedicated their entire March issue to combative army fashion, serving up many interesting militaristic looks, including my personal favorite: surplus and diamonds.
While one can easily get the military look by simply shopping at stores like Gap and Banana Republic, both of whose spring lines consist heavily of khakis, it really isn’t necessary to splurge at retail prices to be in style this spring when there are many thrift shops and surplus stores in the area that offer authentic vintage army gear.
Always a fun and reliable shopping stop, the Village Discount Outlet, located in Cuyahoga Falls on State Road and in Akron on Waterloo Road, is stocked with aisles of both new and used threads. One could easily be overwhelmed by the complete excess of clothes, but have no fear, the store is very well organized and easy to navigate, making it no fuss at all to find whatever one may be looking for. They even have a special section dedicated to all things khaki and camouflage, so finding that perfect army piece to add to your wardrobe for spring will be both hassle-free and super cheap.
In addition to the Village, there are also several army surplus stores in the Akron area. Right near campus off South Main Street is Battle Boy Surplus, which sells everything from army uniforms, to camping gear, to notebooks and pens. Depending on the item, the prices are fairly reasonable, with tops starting at $8.00 for T-shirts and running all the way up to $25.00 for a cotton camouflage battle dress uniform button-down.
Another local military store, Stars-N-Stripes Military, which is located on West Tuscarawas Avenue in Barberton, offers a wide variety of vintage army gear from World War II and Vietnam, and also stocks brand new uniforms for those looking for less-worn pieces.
Even if one isn’t looking to buy, this store is great just to browse. There are several newspaper clippings and historic items in glass cases, which add a museum-like feel to the atmosphere. Whatever your reason is for visiting, it won’t be a disappointing experience. The saleswoman is super-friendly and the wears are top-grade.
With all of these local options available, now is the perfect time to begin stocking up on spring’s tough, combatant fashions and adding a bit of edge to your warm weather wardrobe.
“